In p2p, I like range way better because it has a wide selection of weapons. Dragon bow, dragon bolts, onyx bolts... the versatility of range in p2p makes it good.
In f2p, Melee is way better.
Comparing range's max hit of 18 with melees max of 33(or 34) makes melee better. Although range is faster, it is not 2X faster.
Although a combination of the two is the best. For pking, range 2h combos in f2p are the easiest way to ko someone unless you are really high strength.